Bagging apparatus

ABSTRACT

A support has a loading surface that is formed for placement of a merchandise. A guide is disposed around the support and along an outer circumference of the loading surface. A drive unit changes a disposition of a main mechanical unit from a first disposition to a second disposition. A level of the support relative to the guide in the second disposition is lower than the level of the support relative to the guide in the first disposition. The main mechanical unit in the first disposition supports a bottom of a bag with the loading surface, while the bag with a bag mouth facing downward is put on the support and the guide from above. The main mechanical unit puts the merchandise into the bag by allowing a side periphery of the bag contiguous to the bottom of the bag to stand upward from the bottom of the bag via the guide by changing the disposition of the main mechanical unit from the first disposition to the second disposition.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to bagging apparatuses, and particularly to a bagging apparatus for putting a merchandise into a bag.

BACKGROUND ART

A conventionally known automatic checkout system is used to sell a merchandise without cashier (as is disclosed in PTL 1). In the system described in PTL 1, a scanner reads a merchandise that is put on a plate through an input port. After that, the merchandise on the plate drops into a container basket from a discharge port.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1: Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. H06-266958

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the system described in PTL 1, every merchandise drops into the container basket from the discharge port. This configuration can disadvantageously increase impact exerted on the merchandise compared to cases in which a person puts the merchandise into a bag such as a shopping bag, i.e. a person bags the merchandise.

In view of the problem described above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a bagging apparatus that can lessen impact exerted on a merchandise.

A bagging apparatus according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a main mechanical unit and a drive unit. The main mechanical unit includes: a support having a loading surface that is formed for placement of a merchandise; and a guide disposed around the support and along an outer circumference of the loading surface. The drive unit moves at least one of the support and the guide so as to change a disposition of the main mechanical unit from a first disposition to a second disposition. A level of the support relative to the guide in the second disposition is lower than the level of the support relative to the guide in the first disposition. The main mechanical unit in the first disposition supports a bottom of a bag with the loading surface, while the bag with a bag mouth facing downward is put on the support and the guide from above. The main mechanical unit puts the merchandise into the bag by allowing a side periphery of the bag contiguous to the bottom of the bag to stand upward from the bottom of the bag via the guide by changing the disposition of the main mechanical unit from the first disposition to the second disposition.

A bagging apparatus of a second aspect is based on the bagging apparatus of the first aspect, wherein the drive unit is preferably configured to move only the support downward in the main mechanical unit so as to change the disposition of the main mechanical unit from the first disposition to the second disposition.

A bagging apparatus of a third aspect is based on the bagging apparatus of the first or second aspect, wherein the main mechanical unit preferably further includes a holding mechanism to hold the bottom of the bag in place on the loading surface.

A bagging apparatus of a fourth aspect is based on the bagging apparatus of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the main mechanical unit in the second disposition is preferably configured such that a level difference between the loading surface and an upper end face of the guide is greater than or equal to a total length of the bag in a vertical direction.

A bagging apparatus of a fifth aspect is based on the bagging apparatus of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the loading surface is preferably quadrangular.

A bagging apparatus of a sixth aspect is based on the bagging apparatus of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the guide is preferably shaped like a tube in which at least a top face forms an opening, and the support is preferably configured to move relative to the guide in a space enclosed with the guide.

A bagging apparatus of a seventh aspect is based on the bagging apparatus of the sixth aspect, wherein an inner circumference of an upper end face of the guide is preferably similar in shape to the outer circumference of the loading surface.

A bagging apparatus of an eighth aspect is based on the bagging apparatus of any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the upper end face of the guide preferably forms a bend projecting upward.

A bagging apparatus of a ninth aspect is based on the bagging apparatus of any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the upper end face of the guide preferably has a lower coefficient of friction than a coefficient of friction of the loading surface.

A bagging apparatus of a tenth aspect is based on the bagging apparatus of any one of the first to ninth aspects and preferably further includes a bag supply mechanism to put the bag with the bag mouth facing downward on the main mechanical unit in the first disposition.

According to the present disclosure, the support moves downward relative to the guide such that the bag put on the support and the guide is drawn inside the guide. At the same time, the side periphery of the bag stands up owing to the guide around the support and thus the merchandise placed on the loading surface is put into the bag. This configuration is advantageous in that the bagging apparatus can lessen impact exerted on the merchandise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a drawing illustrating a bagging movement performed by a bagging apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a drawing illustrating a movement following the movement of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a drawing illustrating a movement following the movement of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a self-checkout system including the bagging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a plan view of the bagging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view illustrating a first disposition of a main mechanical unit in the bagging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view illustrating a second disposition of the main mechanical unit in the bagging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of region X1 in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the bagging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the bagging apparatus in a standby state according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first disposition of the main mechanical unit in the bagging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the second disposition of the main mechanical unit in the bagging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10A is a drawing illustrating a discharging movement performed by the bagging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10B is a drawing illustrating a movement following the movement of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a schematic perspective view illustrating a first disposition of a main mechanical unit in a bagging apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11B is a schematic perspective view illustrating a second disposition of the main mechanical unit in the bagging apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS First Exemplary Embodiment (1) Outline

A bagging apparatus according to this exemplary embodiment is an apparatus that is installed at a store of a retailer, such as a convenience store, a supermarket, a department store, a drugstore, a volume home electronics retailer, or a do-it-yourself store, and that is designed to bag a merchandise purchased by a customer. The “bagging” herein represents the work of putting (inserting) a merchandise or commodities into a bag. The “bag” may be any container that measures a size in which a merchandise can be stored and that has a mouth through which a merchandise can be put in and taken out. The bag may be a shopping bag (what is called a plastic shopping bag) that is made from polyethylene or polypropylene, for example.

With reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C, bagging apparatus 1 according to this exemplary embodiment includes main mechanical unit 4 and drive unit 5. Main mechanical unit 4 includes support 2 and guide 3.

Support 2 has loading surface 21 that is formed for placement of merchandise 6. Guide 3 is disposed around support 2 and along an outer circumference of loading surface 21. Drive unit 5 changes a disposition of main mechanical unit 4 from a first disposition to a second disposition. The “disposition of main mechanical unit 4” herein represents a relative positional relationship between support 2 and guide 3. The level of support 2 relative to guide 3 in the second disposition is lower than the level of support 2 relative to guide 3 in the first disposition.

With reference to FIG. 1A, bagging apparatus 1 starts bagging merchandise 6 when shopping basket 61 containing merchandise 6 is placed in a bagging space on loading surface 21. Shopping basket 61 has a slidable bottom plate, for example. With the bottom plate slid to an open position, merchandise 6 is transferred from shopping basket 61 to loading surface 21. Merchandise 6 is, properly speaking, placed on bottom 72 of bag 7 because bottom 72 is on loading surface 21. As shown in FIG. 1A, main mechanical unit 4 in the first disposition supports bottom 72 of bag 7 with loading surface 21, while bag 7 with bag mouth 71 facing downward is put on support 2 and guide 3 from above. The “supporting” herein means supporting a thing from below. Specifically, while merchandise 6 is placed over loading surface 21 via bottom 72, a weight of merchandise 6 presses bottom 72 against loading surface 21. Thus, bottom 72 is supported by loading surface 21. Shopping basket 61 is removed and the disposition of main mechanical unit 4 changes from the first disposition to the second disposition. Through this process, main mechanical unit 4, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, puts merchandise 6 into bag 7 by allowing side periphery 73 of bag 7 contiguous to bottom 72 of bag 7 to stand upward from bottom 72 via guide 3.

More specifically, with reference to FIG. 1A, when main mechanical unit 4 is in the first disposition, bag 7 with bag mouth 71 facing downward is put on support 2 and guide 3, and bottom 72 of bag 7 is supported by loading surface 21. At this time, merchandise 6 is placed over loading surface 21 via bag 7. Thus, bottom 72 of bag 7 is put between support 2 and merchandise 6. If drive unit 5 moves support 2 downward relative to guide 3 from this disposition (the first disposition), bag 7 is, as shown in FIG. 1B, gradually drawn inside guide 3. At the same time, side periphery 73 of bag 7 gradually stands up owing to guide 3 around support 2. As a result, with reference to FIG. 1C, when main mechanical unit 4 is in the second disposition, bag 7 in the state of FIG. 1A is turned inside out such that merchandise 6 is put into bag 7. In other words, the main mechanical unit moves support 2 relative to guide 3 and thereby puts merchandise 6 placed over loading surface 21 into bag 7.

Bagging apparatus 1 is installed in a cashier counter, a bagging table, or a similar platform at a store, for example and is used to bag merchandise 6 placed in a predetermined bagging space defined on loading surface 21. As a result, any customer can receive merchandise 6 put in bag 7 only by placing merchandise 6 he or she wants to purchase in the bagging space. This configuration enables workers (salesclerks) or customers at the store to save time and effort needed for bagging by use of bagging apparatus 1.

Bagging apparatus 1 according to this exemplary embodiment is combined with a settlement device or other similar devices to form a shopping support system for supporting customer's shopping. At a store where the shopping support system is installed, a customer can complete purchase of merchandise 6 by going through a series of processes of checking out merchandise 6 by the settlement device and bagging merchandise 6 by bagging apparatus 1. Consequently, involvement of salesclerks is not necessary in the processes that the customer goes through in purchasing merchandise 6 at the store. Details of the shopping support system will be described in the section of “(2.1) shopping support system”.

(2) Detail

Bagging apparatus 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will now be described in detail. In this regard, the configuration described below is only an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following exemplary embodiments, and besides the exemplary embodiments, various modifications are possible depending on design or the like without departing form the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

In this exemplary embodiment, bagging apparatus 1 is installed at a convenience store taken as an example store. In this exemplary embodiment, a shopping bag (what is called a plastic shopping bag) that is made from polyethylene is taken as an example of bag 7. A subject that places merchandise 6 in a bagging space may be a salesclerk other than a customer. For example, if merchandise 6 is a packet of cigarettes or any other merchandise stored in a cashier counter, a salesclerk rather than a customer places merchandise 6 in the bagging space.

(2.1) Shopping Support System

First of all, a configuration of entire shopping support system 8 that includes bagging apparatus 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described below.

With reference to FIG. 2, shopping support system 8 includes bagging apparatus 1 and settlement device 81.

Settlement device 81 performs a checkout procedure for merchandise 6 in accordance with merchandise information on merchandise 6. The “merchandise information” herein represents information about each merchandise, and this information includes a name and a price for the merchandise. Settlement device 81 acquires the merchandise information using a bar-code reader, an image sensor, a load cell (a weight sensor), a reader for reading two-dimensional bar codes, or a reader for reading merchandise information contactless from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, for example.

Bagging apparatus 1 and settlement device 81 are installed on one counter table 82 provided in a cashier counter at a store (a convenience store in this exemplary embodiment), for example. Bagging apparatus 1 and settlement device 81 described herein are disposed such that settlement device 81 is positioned on the right-hand side of bagging apparatus 1 when viewed from a front of counter table 82. A plurality of bagging apparatuses 1 and settlement devices 81 may be installed at a single store. Bagging apparatus 1 and settlement device 81 may be enabled to communicate with a device such as a shop server installed at a store.

Settlement device 81 includes main unit 811 provided on counter table 82 and display panel (display unit) 812 electrically connected to main unit 811. Main unit 811 is primarily made up of a computer and performs a procedure for a checkout in accordance with merchandise information by executing a program stored in a memory. Main unit 811 includes a cash unit for handing and receiving cash, a card reader for reading various cards, a printer (a printing unit) for printing receipts, and an audio output unit for emitting sound.

Display panel 812 is made up of a touch panel display. In addition to displaying various data, display panel 812 acts as a user interface to accept input operation from a customer. The customer selects a payment method by operating display panel 812, for example, and settles his or her bill by paying a sum (an adjusted amount) displayed on display panel 812.

Since settlement device 81 is equipped with display panel 812, settlement device 81 may display various kinds of information to the customer other than the adjusted amount described above. Specifically, settlement device 81 may display an operating procedure for self-checkout system 8 to the customer, for example. This configuration can support the customer in using shopping support system 8 without involvement of salesclerks.

Bagging apparatus 1 is built in counter table 82. In FIG. 2, a top surface of support 2, i.e. loading surface 21, is substantially flush with a top surface of counter table 82, for example. Thus, the customer can get bagging apparatus 1 to bag merchandise 6 by placing merchandise 6 in the bagging space on loading surface 21 on a level with counter table 82. Bagging apparatus 1 may work together with settlement device 81. If bagging apparatus 1 works together with settlement device 81, bagging apparatus 1 can start bagging merchandise 6 in response to the completion of a checkout by settlement device 81, for example.

Bagging apparatus 1 according to this exemplary embodiment can bag merchandise 6 put in shopping basket 61 (see FIG. 1A). In other words, the customer can get bagging apparatus 1 to bag merchandise 6 by putting merchandise 6 that he or she has picked up at a store in shopping basket 61 and placing shopping basket 61 inclusive of merchandise 6 in the bagging space on counter table 82. As a result, the customer can have merchandise 6 bagged without taking merchandise 6 out of shopping basket 61. This configuration enables the customer to readily bag merchandise 6 using bagging apparatus 1.

Bagging apparatus 1 can bag merchandise 6 that is not put in shopping basket 61 other than merchandise 6 that is put in shopping basket 61. In this case, the customer can get bagging apparatus 1 to bag merchandise 6 by directly placing merchandise 6 on the bagging space.

(2.2) Bagging Apparatus

A configuration of bagging apparatus 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will now be described in more detail. Unless otherwise particularly specified, the description below is given on the assumption that bagging apparatus 1 is installed such that loading surface 21 is parallel to a horizontal surface. In other words, a direction orthogonal to loading surface 21 is a vertical direction (a perpendicular direction). These directions, however, should not be construed to limit the direction of any component of bagging apparatus 1 installed for use. Bagging apparatus 1 may be used with loading surface 21 tilted somewhat relative to a horizontal surface, for example.

(2.2.1) Overall Configuration

With reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, bagging apparatus 1 according to this exemplary embodiment includes main mechanical unit 4 and drive unit 5. Bagging apparatus 1 further includes housing 9 and bag supply mechanism 13. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y of FIG. 3A.

Housing 9 is shaped like a boxy rectangular parallelepiped extending longitudinally along the vertical direction. Main mechanical unit 4, a part of drive unit 5, and bag supply mechanism 13 are contained in housing 9. Top plate 91 that constitutes a top surface of housing 9 includes quadrilateral window hole 911 formed to expose support 2 and guide 3 to the outside of the housing. While bagging apparatus 1 is built in counter table 82 (see FIG. 2), the top surface of housing 9 (an upper side of top plate 91) constitutes a part of the top surface of counter table 82.

Bag supply mechanism 13 is a mechanism designed to supply bag 7 to main mechanical unit 4. Bag supply mechanism 13 operates so as to put bag 7 with bag mouth 71 facing downward on main mechanical unit 4 in the first disposition.

With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, bag supply mechanism 13 according to this exemplary embodiment includes container 131 and suction unit 132. Container 131 holds bag group 70 made up of a bunch of a plurality of bags 7. Bags 7 that constitute bag group 70 are each held by container 131 and suspended from container 131 with bag mouth 71 facing downward.

Suction unit 132 faces container 131 through main mechanical unit 4. Suction unit 132 is a vacuum suction pad, for example. A surface of suction unit 132 opposed to container 131 is a surface designed to adhere to bag 7 by suction. Suction unit 132 is movable rectilinearly toward or away from container 131. Suction unit 132 operates so as to take one bag 7 at a time out of bag group 70 held in container 131.

Bag supply mechanism 13 has a vacuum suction pad at a location facing suction unit 132 through main mechanical unit 4. The vacuum suction pad is used to open bag 7 taken out with suction unit 132. This configuration enables bag 7 taken out with suction unit 132 to be pulled at both sides by suction unit 132 and the vacuum suction pad such that bag 7 is held with bag mouth 71 opened. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, bag 7 is supplied one at a time by bag supply mechanism 13 to main mechanical unit 4 with bag mouth 71 facing downward, bottom 72 facing upward, and bag mouth 71 being opened. In FIG. 4, bag 7 supplied by bag supply mechanism 13 is shown, whereas illustration of bag supply mechanism 13 is omitted.

Bag 7 supplied by bag supply mechanism 13 has side periphery 73 contiguous to bottom 72. An end of side periphery 73 near bag mouth 71 is provided with a pair of handles 74 contiguous to side periphery 73. Bag 7 put on the main mechanical unit is turned inside out when merchandise 6 is put into bag 7. Thus, if bag 7 for use has a letter or character printed, the letter or the character is preferably inversed.

Main mechanical unit 4 further has holding mechanism 14 in addition to support 2 and guide 3. Details of support 2 and guide 3 will be described in the section of “(2.2.2) Support and guide”.

Holding mechanism 14 is a mechanism for holding bottom 72 in place on loading surface 21. Holding mechanism 14 is capable of switching between holding bottom 72 in place on loading surface 21 and releasing bottom 72. The “holding” herein means that loading surface 21 keeps supporting bottom 72. In other words, holding mechanism 14 maintains a state in which bottom 72 is in contact with loading surface 21 and is supported by loading surface 21 from below. In this exemplary embodiment, holding mechanism 14 holds bottom 72 in place on loading surface 21 by suction. Specifically, holding mechanism 14 constitutes a vacuum suction pad having a suction surface on the top surface of support 2 (loading surface 21). For example, with support 2 having a hollow structure, holding mechanism 14 sucks out air from an internal space of support 2 through a hose connected to support 2 and thereby applies suction force to bottom 72 via a plurality of small holes that open at the top surface of support 2 (loading surface 21).

With reference to FIG. 4, drive unit 5 includes elevating mechanism 51, lock mechanism 52, first arm 53, second arm 54, first slider 55, second slider 56, and rail 57.

Rail 57 is shaped like a round bar extending along the vertical direction. Both ends of rail 57 in the vertical direction are fixed to housing 9. In this exemplary embodiment, a pair of rails 57 is provided in housing 9. First and second sliders 55 and 56 are attached to rails 57 such that each of the sliders is freely movable along rails 57 in the vertical direction. First slider 55 is disposed below second slider 56. First slider 55 is mechanically linked to support 2 via first arm 53. Second slider 56 is mechanically linked to guide 3 via second arm 54.

Elevating mechanism 51 is a mechanism for moving up and down first slider 55. In other words, elevating mechanism 51 indirectly moves up and down support 2 via first arm 53 by moving first slider 55 in the vertical direction. In this exemplary embodiment, elevating mechanism 51 is disposed beside housing 9. Elevating mechanism 51 includes an electric motor (a motor) and implements a pantograph linkage, rack-and-pinion gearing, or any other suitable mechanism to enable linear movement of first slider 55 in the vertical direction by driving force generated from the electric motor.

Lock mechanism 52 is a mechanism that regulates movement of second slider 56 along rails 57. Lock mechanism 52 is attached to rails 57. Lock mechanism 52 is disposed between first and second sliders 55 and 56. Lock mechanism 52 includes an actuator such as an electromagnetic solenoid. Lock mechanism 52 is capable of switching between two states, namely a lock state in which lock mechanism 52 is locked in place relative to rails 57 and a release state in which lock mechanism 52 is freely movable along rails 57 in the vertical direction.

Owing to weight of second arm 54 and guide 3, a load is applied to second slider 56. Thus, if lock mechanism 52 is in the release state, ascent or descent of first slider 55 by elevating mechanism 51 causes second slider 56 to move up or down together with first slider 55. If lock mechanism 52 is in the lock state, second slider 56 is held in place above lock mechanism 52 and thus elevating mechanism 51 moves up and down first slider 55 in isolation.

Drive unit 5 having the configuration described above can move up and down support 2 and guide 3 together or move up and down support 2 alone by combining the action of elevating mechanism 51 with the action of lock mechanism 52. Consequently, drive unit 5 can move support 2 and guide 3 to respective desired positions. FIG. 4 shows a state in which guide 3 is at a lower limit level within a motion range in the vertical direction.

(2.2.2) Support and Guide

With reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6, specific configurations of support 2 and guide 3 will now be described. FIGS. 5A and 5B omit illustration of components except support 2, guide 3, first arm 53, and second arm 54. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of region “X1” in FIG. 5B.

Support 2 is shaped like a rectangular plate. The top surface of support 2 constitutes loading surface 21 on which merchandise 6 is to be placed. In other words, loading surface 21 is quadrangular. In this example, loading surface 21 is rectangular with round corners. Support 2 is made of a synthetic resin, for example. The “quadrangular” herein encompasses precise quadrangles and quadrangles having round corners, for example.

Guide 3 is shaped like a tube having a top face and an undersurface of which at least the top face forms an opening. In this exemplary embodiment, guide 3 is shaped like a square tube having an opening at each of a top face and an undersurface. Guide 3 is made of a synthetic resin, for example. The opening faces of guide 3 are each a size larger than loading surface 21. Guide 3 is disposed around support 2 and along the outer circumference of loading surface 21. An inner circumference of upper end face 321 of guide 3 is similar in shape to the outer circumference of loading surface 21. In other words, in common with loading surface 21, the inner circumference of upper end face 321 of guide 3 is rectangular with round corners. In common with loading surface 21, an outer circumference of upper end face 321 of guide 3 as well is rectangular with round corners.

Support 2 and guide 3 are driven by drive unit 5 and thereby move in the vertical direction. When guide 3 is at an upper limit level within the motion range in the vertical direction (see FIG. 8), an upper end of guide 3 is inserted in window hole 911 of housing 9. Thus, the upper end of guide 3 is a size smaller than window hole 911. In this example, the outer circumference of upper end face 321 of guide 3 is similar in shape to an opening face of window hole 911. As a result, guide 3 is inserted in window hole 911, and support 2 is put inside guide 3. A gap between an inner circumferential face of window hole 911 and guide 3 and a gap between guide 3 and support 2 each have a specified size that disallows insertion of a human finger.

Support 2 is configured to move relative to guide 3 in a space enclosed with guide 3. In this exemplary embodiment, drive unit 5 moves only support 2 downward in main mechanical unit 4 and thereby changes the disposition of main mechanical unit 4 from the first disposition shown in FIG. 5A to the second disposition shown in FIG. 5B. In other words, support 2 is configured to move in the vertical direction inside tubular guide 3 that is anchored at a fixed position.

In this exemplary embodiment, a state in which support 2 is disposed at the upper end of guide 3 as shown in FIG. 5A is defined as the first disposition. When main mechanical unit 4 is in the first disposition, the top surface of support 2 (loading surface 21) is substantially flush with upper end face 321 of guide 3. Meanwhile, a state in which support 2 is disposed at a lower end of guide 3 as shown in FIG. 5B is defined as the second disposition. When main mechanical unit 4 is in the second disposition, an undersurface of support 2 is substantially flush with a lower end face of guide 3. As a consequence, support 2 is movable across a total length of guide 3 in the vertical direction. If main mechanical unit 4 is in the first disposition, support 2 is disposed so as to cover the opening at the top face of guide 3. If main mechanical unit 4 is in the second disposition, support 2 is disposed so as to cover the opening at the undersurface of guide 3.

More specifically, support 2 is fixed to one end of first arm 53 and moves in the vertical direction along with movement of first arm 53. The one end of first arm 53 is inserted inside guide 3 through the undersurface opening of guide 3 and is mechanically linked to the undersurface of support 2. Guide 3 is fixed to one end of second arm 54 and moves in the vertical direction along with movement of second arm 54. The one end of second arm 54 is mechanically linked to an outer circumferential surface of guide 3. In this exemplary embodiment, a pair of second arms 54 is provided. The pair of second arms 54 are each a plate-shaped part. First arm 53 is disposed between the pair of second arms 54. Hence, first arm 53 can move up and down support 2 while avoiding interference with guide 3 and second arms 54.

Guide 3 includes tubular wall 31 made of a plate-shaped part and cover 32 having a frame shape. With reference to FIG. 6, cover 32 is put on an upper end of wall 31 so as to cover an area from an outer circumferential surface to an inner circumferential surface of wall 31 through the upper end of wall 31. As a result, an upper end face of cover 32 is equivalent to upper end face 321 of guide 3.

Upper end face 321 of guide 3, i.e. the upper end face of cover 32, forms a bend projecting upward. In other words, at least a part of upper end face 321 of guide 3 is a round surface. More specifically, an edge where upper end face 321 and an inner circumferential surface of guide 3 join and an edge where upper end face 321 and the outer circumferential surface of guide 3 join are round-chamfered. Upper end face 321 has such a curved surface to prevent bag 7 from getting caught on upper end face 321 of guide 3. Upper end face 321 of guide 3 has a lower coefficient of friction than a coefficient of friction of loading surface 21. Specifically, if a surface of cover 32 is made up of a fluorocarbon polymer or any other material having low friction properties, for example, upper end face 321 of guide 3 has a low coefficient of friction. This allows bag 7 to slide smoothly over upper end face 321 of guide 3.

(2.2.3) Control System

With reference to FIG. 7, bagging apparatus 1 according to this present exemplary embodiment further includes controller 11 and input unit 12.

Controller 11 is electrically connected with each of input unit 12, bag supply mechanism 13, elevating mechanism 51, lock mechanism 52, and holding mechanism 14. In response to an input signal from input unit 12, controller 11 sends a control signal to any of bag supply mechanism 13, drive unit 5 (elevating mechanism 51, lock mechanism 52), and holding mechanism 14. This configuration allows controller 11 to control bag supply mechanism 13, drive unit 5, and holding mechanism 14 individually.

In this example, controller 11 is primarily made up of a computer such as a microcomputer. Controller 11 executes a program stored in a memory on the computer through a processor of the computer and thereby performs a suitable procedure. The program may be stored in the memory in advance, may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be saved on a storage medium such as a memory card and provided via the storage medium. Controller 11 is installed inside counter table 82, for example. However, all functions of controller 11 are not necessarily converged in one housing. At least a part of the functions of controller 11 may be decentrally provided in drive unit 5, bag supply mechanism 13, or holding mechanism 14, for example.

Input unit 12 sends an input signal to controller 11 to at least let bagging apparatus 1 start bagging operation. Input unit 12 is electrically connected to a switch or any other device for accepting a customer's operation, for example and generates an input signal in response to the customer's operation. If bagging apparatus 1 works together with settlement device 81, input unit 12 may receive a trigger signal from settlement device 81 and send an input signal for starting bagging operation, for example.

(3) Operation

Operation performed by bagging apparatus 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will now be described.

First of all, with reference to FIG. 8, bagging apparatus 1 puts bag 7 in place by putting bag 7 with bag mouth 71 facing downward on support 2 and guide 3 that constitute main mechanical unit 4. In this exemplary embodiment, bagging apparatus 1 moves support 2 and guide 3 upward to put bag 7 in place. At this time, main mechanical unit 4 is in the first disposition, and support 2 is disposed at the upper end of guide 3.

Specifically, while bag 7 is held in place by bag supply mechanism 13 with bag mouth 71 facing downward, bottom 72 facing upward, and bag mouth 71 being opened, bagging apparatus 1 inserts main mechanical unit 4 that is in the first disposition into bag 7 from below. At this time, drive unit 5 puts lock mechanism 52 into the release state and moves support 2 and guide 3 upward by moving first slider 55 together with second slider 56 upward using elevating mechanism 51. In this exemplary embodiment, drive unit 5 moves guide 3 from the lower limit level (see FIG. 4) to the upper limit level (see FIG. 8) in the motion range of guide 3, and thereby puts bag 7 on support 2 and guide 3.

In FIG. 8, guide 3 is at the upper limit level within the motion range in the vertical direction. Thus, the upper end of guide 3 is inserted in window hole 911 of housing 9. At this time, upper end face 321 of guide 3 is substantially flush with the top surface of housing 9. Since main mechanical unit 4 is in the first disposition, the top surface of support 2 (loading surface 21) is substantially flush with upper end face 321 of guide 3 and the top surface of housing 9. In this state, bagging apparatus 1 lets bottom 72 of bag 7 adhere to loading surface 21 by suction using holding mechanism 14 and thereby holds bottom 72 in place on loading surface 21. The state shown in FIG. 8 is defined as a standby state. Bagging apparatus 1 is kept in the standby state until merchandise 6 contained in is placed in the bagging space on loading surface 21.

When shopping basket 61 containing merchandise 6 is placed in the bagging space on loading surface 21, bagging apparatus 1 starts bagging merchandise 6. Shopping basket 61 has a slidable bottom plate, for example. With the bottom plate slid to an open position, merchandise 6 is transferred from shopping basket 61 to loading surface 21. Merchandise 6 is, properly speaking, placed on bottom 72 of bag 7 because bottom 72 is on loading surface 21.

Next, bagging apparatus 1 gets drive unit 5 to drive main mechanical unit 4 and puts merchandise 6 into bag 7 by changing the disposition of main mechanical unit 4 from the first disposition to the second disposition. In other words, drive unit 5 puts lock mechanism 52 into the lock state and moves only support 2 downward in main mechanical unit 4 that is in the first disposition as shown in FIG. 9A by moving first slider 55 downward using elevating mechanism 51. As a result, with reference to FIG. 9B, support 2 alone moves downward while guide 3 is kept at the upper limit level within the motion range and thus main mechanical unit 4 shifts from the first disposition to the second disposition. In FIGS. 9A and 9B, illustration of merchandise 6 and bag 7 is omitted.

FIGS. 1A to 1C show how merchandise 6 is put in bag 7 during transition of main mechanical unit 4 from the first disposition to the second disposition. While the disposition of main mechanical unit 4 is changing from the first disposition to the second disposition, bagging apparatus 1 lets bottom 72 of bag 7 adhere to loading surface 21 by suction using holding mechanism 14 and thereby keeps holding bottom 72 in place on loading surface 21. Although these drawings each exemplify a plurality of commodities 6, i.e. a beverage in a PET plastic bottle, a box of sweets, and a can of juice, just one merchandise 6 may be placed.

Specifically, with reference to FIG. 1A, when main mechanical unit 4 is in the first disposition, commodities 6 are placed over loading surface 21 via bag 7. Thus, bottom 72 of bag 7 is put between support 2 and commodities 6. At the same time, bottom 72 is held in place on loading surface 21 by suction force of holding mechanism 14 as well as the weight of commodities 6. Drive unit 5 moves support 2 downward relative to guide 3 from this disposition (the first disposition), and thus bag 7 is, as shown in FIG. 1B, gradually drawn inside guide 3. At this time, side periphery 73 of bag 7 contiguous to bottom 72 of bag 7 is drawn inside guide 3 while being pulled along upper end face 321 of guide 3. Thus, side periphery 73 of bag 7 stands upward from an outer circumference of bottom 72 owing to guide 3 around support 2. As a result, with reference to FIG. 1C, when main mechanical unit 4 is in the second disposition, bag 7 in the state of FIG. 1A is turned inside out in a space enclosed with guide 3 such that commodities 6 are put into bag 7. At this time, side periphery 73 stands upright along the inner circumferential surface of guide 3.

In this exemplary embodiment, shopping basket 61 is removed from housing 9 in the process of FIG. 1B, for example. However, shopping basket 61 may be removed in the process of FIG. 1C or another subsequent process.

In this exemplary embodiment, main mechanical unit 4 in the second disposition as shown in FIG. 1C is configured such that level difference L1 between loading surface 21 and upper end face 321 of guide 3 is greater than or equal to total length L2 of bag 7 in the vertical direction. “Total length L1 of bag 7 in the vertical direction” herein is a total length of bag 7 including a pair of handles 74, i.e. a distance from bottom 72 of bag 7 to ends of handles 74. As a result, bag 7 including the ends of handles 74 is put inside the space enclosed with guide 3. Thus, handles 74 as well as side periphery 73 of bag 7 stand upright.

Next, bagging apparatus 1 gets drive unit 5 to drive main mechanical unit 4 and discharges bag 7 from the space enclosed with guide 3 by changing the disposition of main mechanical unit 4 from the second disposition to the first disposition. At this time, drive unit 5 puts lock mechanism 52 into the lock state and moves only support 2 upward in main mechanical unit 4 that is in the second disposition by moving first slider 55 upward using elevating mechanism 51. As a result, support 2 alone moves upward while guide 3 is kept at the upper limit level within the motion range and thus main mechanical unit 4 shifts from the second disposition to the first disposition.

In other words, with reference to FIG. 10A, bag 7 on loading surface 21 projects upward above the opening at the top face of guide 3 along with an upward movement of support 2. With a further upward movement of support 2, bag 7, as shown in FIG. 10B, is completely discharged from the space enclosed with guide 3. At this time, bag 7 including handles 74 remains freestanding.

According to the operation described above, bagging apparatus 1 can put commodities 6 that are placed in the bagging space on loading surface 21 into bag 7 and pass commodities 6 put in bag 7 with handles 74 standing to the customer. When commodities 6 are gone from loading surface 21, bagging apparatus 1 puts new bag 7 in place and gets into the standby state.

(4) Effect

As described above, bagging apparatus 1 according to this exemplary embodiment puts commodities 6 into bag 7 by allowing side periphery 73 of bag 7 contiguous to bottom 72 of bag 7 to stand upward from bottom 72 via guide 3 while the disposition of main mechanical unit 4 is changing from the first disposition to the second disposition. In other words, support 2 moves downward relative to guide 3 such that bag 7 put on support 2 and guide 3 is drawn inside guide 3. At the same time, side periphery 73 of bag 7 stands up owing to guide 3 around support 2 and thus commodities 6 placed on loading surface 21 are put into bag 7. This configuration is advantageous in that bagging apparatus 1 can lessen impact exerted on commodities 6. As a consequence, this bagging apparatus 1 can transform bag 7 containing commodities 6 (turn the bag inside out) and thereby put commodities 6 into bag 7 without shifting commodities 6 from loading surface 21. This configuration enables the bagging apparatus to lessen impact exerted on commodities 6 at the time of putting commodities 6 into bag 7.

Preferably, drive unit 5 is configured to move only support 2 downward in main mechanical unit 4 as shown in this exemplary embodiment and thereby change the disposition of main mechanical unit 4 from the first disposition to the second disposition. This configuration enables bagging work inside housing 9 while preventing guide 3 from projecting above the top surface of housing 9.

Preferably, main mechanical unit 4 further includes holding mechanism 14 to hold bottom 72 in place on loading surface 21 as shown in this exemplary embodiment. This configuration, even if commodities 6 are relatively small or light, prevents bottom 72 from being separated from loading surface 21 and helps bag 7 to be drawn inside guide 3 while support 2 is moving downward relative to guide 3. However, holding mechanism 14 is not always necessary for bagging apparatus 1, and holding mechanism 14 may be omitted as appropriate.

Preferably, main mechanical unit 4 in the second disposition is configured as shown in this exemplary embodiment such that level difference L1 between loading surface 21 and upper end face 321 of guide 3 is greater than or equal to total length L2 of bag 7 in the vertical direction. This configuration enables handles 74 and other constituents of bag 7 containing commodities 6 to stand upright. This, in turn, provides an advantage in that the customer can readily grip handles 74 at the time of receiving commodities 6 from the bagging apparatus. This configuration, in which level difference L1 between loading surface 21 and upper end face 321 of guide 3 is greater than or equal to total length L2 of bag 7 in the vertical direction, is not always necessary for bagging apparatus 1. Level difference L1 may be less than total length L2 of bag 7.

Preferably, loading surface 21 is quadrangular as shown in this exemplary embodiment. This configuration enables the bagging apparatus to transfer commodities 6 put in shopping basket 61 with a quadrangular bottom to loading surface 21 while the disposition of these components remains as is. However, quadrangular loading surface 21 is not always necessary for bagging apparatus 1. Loading surface 21 may be elliptic, for example, other than quadrangular.

Preferably, guide 3 is shaped like a tube in which at least a top face forms an opening, and support 2 is configured to move relative to guide 3 in a space enclosed with guide 3, as shown in this exemplary embodiment. According to this configuration, guide 3 forms a wall around support 2. Thus, even if any of commodities 6 topple over or collapse while support 2 is moving relative to guide 3, guide 3 supports commodities 6 and prevents commodities 6 from falling off loading surface 21.

Preferably, the inner circumference of upper end face 321 of guide 3 is similar in shape to the outer circumference of loading surface 21, as shown in this exemplary embodiment. This configuration can keep a gap between guide 3 and support 2 to a relatively small. This configuration, in which the inner circumference of upper end face 321 of guide 3 is similar in shape to the outer circumference of loading surface 21, is not always necessary for bagging apparatus 1. The inner circumference of upper end face 321 of guide 3 may not be similar in shape to the outer circumference of loading surface 21.

Preferably, upper end face 321 of guide 3 forms a bend projecting upward as shown in this exemplary embodiment. This configuration prevents bag 7 from getting caught on upper end face 321 of guide 3 while the disposition of main mechanical unit 4 is changing from the first disposition to the second disposition. This configuration, in which upper end face 321 of guide 3 forms a bend projecting upward, is not always necessary for bagging apparatus 1. Upper end face 321 of guide 3 may form a flat surface, for example.

Preferably, upper end face 321 of guide 3 has a lower coefficient of friction than a coefficient of friction of loading surface 21, as shown in this exemplary embodiment. This configuration prevents bag 7 from getting caught on upper end face 321 of guide 3 while the disposition of main mechanical unit 4 is changing from the first disposition to the second disposition. This configuration, in which upper end face 321 of guide 3 has a lower coefficient of friction, is not always necessary for bagging apparatus 1. The coefficient of friction of upper end face 321 of guide 3 may be on a par with the coefficient of friction of loading surface 21.

Preferably, bagging apparatus 1 further includes bag supply mechanism 13 to put bag 7 with bag mouth 71 facing downward on main mechanical unit 4 in the first disposition, as shown in this exemplary embodiment. This configuration advantageously saves time and effort required to put bag 7 on main mechanical unit 4. However, bag supply mechanism 13 is not always necessary for bagging apparatus 1. Bag supply mechanism 13 may be omitted as appropriate.

(5) Modifications

Modifications of the first exemplary embodiment will now be described.

Bag 7 into which bagging apparatus 1 puts (bags) merchandise 6 may be an ecological shopping bag and a mesh shopping bag, for example, other than the shopping bag described above, with proviso that bagging apparatus 1 is configured to put merchandise 6 into bag 7. The shopping bag may be made from polypropylene, for example, other than polyethylene.

Bag supply mechanism 13 may be configured to turn bag 7 inside out and supply bag 7 to main mechanical unit 4. In this case, the bagging apparatus puts bag 7 that is turned inside out on main mechanical unit 4, and again turns bag 7 inside out before putting merchandise 6 into bag 7. Thus, the original outer surface of bag 7 constitutes an outer surface of bag 7 containing merchandise 6. As a result, if bag 7 for use has a letter or character printed, no inversion of the letter or the character is required.

Bagging apparatus 1 may be installed and used at any stores other than convenience stores. In addition, bagging apparatus 1 may be installed at facilities such as offices and plants other than stores.

Drive unit 5 may be configured to move support 2 and guide 3 individually. In this case, drive unit 5 may move only guide 3 upward in main mechanical unit 4 and thereby change the disposition of main mechanical unit 4 from the first disposition to the second disposition. Alternatively, drive unit 5 may move both support 2 and guide 3 and thereby change the disposition of main mechanical unit 4 from the first disposition to the second disposition.

Drive unit 5 may not include any power source such as an electric motor for generating driving force but drive main mechanical unit 4 using force applied by a person to a handle or any operation part, for example. In this case, bagging apparatus 1 bags merchandise 6 by letting drive unit 5 drive manually operated main mechanical unit 4. Accordingly, the range of application of bagging apparatus 1 is not limited to automatic bagging but includes manual bagging by persons.

Holding mechanism 14 may have any device other than the vacuum suction pad and may hold bottom 72 in place by suction through means other than vacuum suction. Alternatively, holding mechanism 14 may hold bottom 72 in place by adhesion other than suction or may hold bottom 72 of bag 7 in place by pinching, for example. If bottom 72 is held in place by adhesion, holding mechanism 14 includes an adhesive sheet that is pasted on the top surface of support 2 (loading surface 21) to display proper adhesive strength, for example.

Only any one of an edge where upper end face 321 and the inner circumferential surface of guide 3 join and an edge where upper end face 321 and the outer circumferential surface of guide 3 join may be round-chamfered. Alternatively, at least one of an edge where upper end face 321 and the inner circumferential surface of guide 3 join and an edge where upper end face 321 and the outer circumferential surface of guide 3 join may be chamfered.

Corners at the inner and outer circumferences of upper end face 321 of guide 3 may not be rounded off. In this case, the corners of upper end face 321 of guide 3 are preferably formed at a level below the other sections (sides) of guide 3. This configuration means that bag 7 is less apt to get caught on the corners of upper end face 321 of guide 3.

Preferably, upper end face 321 of guide 3 forms a bend projecting upward as shown in this exemplary embodiment. This configuration prevents bag 7 from getting caught on upper end face 321 of guide 3 while the disposition of main mechanical unit 4 is changing from the first disposition to the second disposition. This configuration, in which upper end face 321 of guide 3 forms a bend projecting upward, is not always necessary for bagging apparatus 1. Upper end face 321 of guide 3 may form a flat surface, for example.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

With reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, bagging apparatus 1A according to this exemplary embodiment differs from bagging apparatus 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment in that guide 3A is not tubular. Structural elements similar to those of bagging apparatus 1 of the first exemplary embodiment are assigned with the same reference numerals, and their redundant descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

In this exemplary embodiment, guide 3A is formed along two opposing sides of loading surface 21. Specifically, guide 3A includes a pair of walls 31A that are each shaped like a plate and a pair of covers 32A attached to respective upper ends of walls 31A. Upper end faces of the pair of covers 32A are equivalent to upper end faces 321A of guide 3A.

Bagging apparatus 1A puts merchandise 6 (not illustrated) into bag 7 by allowing side periphery 73 of bag 7 (not illustrated) to stand upward from bottom 72 via guide 3A while a disposition of main mechanical unit 4A is changing from a first disposition shown in FIG. 11A to a second disposition shown in FIG. 11B. In other words, guide 3A, which is not a guide surrounding an entire circumference of loading surface 21, helps side periphery 73 of bag 7 stand upright as in the first exemplary embodiment, with proviso that the guide is disposed around support 2 and along an outer circumference of loading surface 21.

A modification of the second exemplary embodiment may have guide 3A that includes pole-shaped components installed at four corners of loading surface 21, for example. This configuration as well can put merchandise 6 into bag 7 by allowing side periphery 73 of bag 7 to stand upward from bottom 72 via guide 3A while the disposition of main mechanical unit 4A is changing from the first disposition to the second disposition.

An exemplary embodiment can be implemented by suitably combining some elements described in the second exemplary embodiment (including the modification) with some elements described in the first exemplary embodiment (including the modifications).

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is applicable to a bagging apparatus for putting a merchandise into a bag.

REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS

-   -   1,1A bagging apparatus     -   2 support     -   3, 3A guide     -   4, 4A main mechanical unit     -   5 drive unit     -   6 merchandise     -   7 bag     -   13 bag supply mechanism     -   14 holding mechanism     -   21 loading surface     -   71 bag mouth     -   72 bottom     -   73 side periphery     -   321, 321A upper end face 

1. A bagging apparatus comprising: a main mechanical unit including: a support having a loading surface formed for placement of a merchandise; and a guide disposed around the support and along an outer circumference of the loading surface; and a drive unit to move at least one of the support and the guide so as to change a disposition of the main mechanical unit from a first disposition to a second disposition, a level of the support relative to the guide in the second disposition being lower than the level of the support relative to the guide in the first disposition, wherein the main mechanical unit in the first disposition supports a bottom of a bag with the loading surface, while the bag with a bag mouth facing downward is put on the support and the guide from above, and the main mechanical unit puts the merchandise into the bag by allowing a side periphery of the bag contiguous to the bottom of the bag to stand upward from the bottom of the bag via the guide by changing the disposition of the main mechanical unit from the first disposition to the second disposition.
 2. The bagging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit is configured to move only the support downward in the main mechanical unit so as to change the disposition of the main mechanical unit from the first disposition to the second disposition.
 3. The bagging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main mechanical unit further includes a holding mechanism to hold the bottom of the bag in place on the loading surface.
 4. The bagging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main mechanical unit in the second disposition is configured such that a level difference between the loading surface and an upper end face of the guide is greater than or equal to a total length of the bag in a vertical direction.
 5. The bagging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the loading surface is quadrangular.
 6. The bagging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide is shaped like a tube in which at least a top face forms an opening, and the support is configured to move relative to the guide in a space enclosed with the guide.
 7. The bagging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an inner circumference of an upper end face of the guide is similar in shape to the outer circumference of the loading surface.
 8. The bagging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upper end face of the guide forms a bend projecting upward.
 9. The bagging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upper end face of the guide has a lower coefficient of friction than a coefficient of friction of the loading surface.
 10. The bagging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a bag supply mechanism to put the bag with the bag mouth facing downward on the main mechanical unit in the first disposition. 